In this week’s Supplier Spotlight we chat to internationally acclaimed ceramicist Sarah Hillman.
SM: How did you start your business and what led you to this career path?
SH: I stumbled across ceramics when studying at college. Already aware of my desire to be creative I initially wanted to take on an additional course in textiles, however my particular college only offered a ceramics class. Over those two years at college I spent every spare minute in the ceramics department, I instantly fell in love with the medium.
SM: Who and/or what inspires your designs?
SH: I am strongly influenced by abstract modernist sculptors, such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Their sensitive understanding of the relationship between space and form is in my opinion unrivalled. I am also very fond of sleek Scandinavian design pieces.
SM: How do you go about coming up with new designs?
SH: I generally develop work as I go along. After I cut a piece I sit back and really look at it, see how it works with the form, assess what elements really make it work for me and try and incorporate them into the next piece.
SM: Describe your working environment, what surrounds you, how do you work?
SH: I share a studio with 3 other makers at Cockpit Arts in London including Annette Bugansky and Timea Sido (both Swanky Maison contributors) and Luna Lighting. We share a happy and relaxed working environment; we often have the radio on and all take turns in making the tea!
SM: What would be your perfect home? Where would it be and what would you put in it?
SH: I’d love to live in the country one day in a big spacious old house with a light bright studio at the bottom of the garden, with beautiful views to inspire me everyday. I love the feeling of space and being surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature. Barabara Hepworth’s studio in St Ives is utterly idyllic!
SM: What is your favourite product from your collection?
SH: I love the striking simplicity of the large single hole bowls in teal. It’s my favourite colour and just sits so well on the simplistic design of this piece.
SM: Putting you on the spot, what is your favourite Swanky Maison product, other than from your collection and why?
SH: I love the Eden Glass Jugs by Maggie Williams. Their fluid form and bright colours make them come to life with a vibrant energy.
SM: Finally, what do you have in store for us in the future, are you working on any news designs/products our readers might be interested in?
SH: I will be adding more pieces from the Echo and Pea Pod range to Swanky Maison before the autumn. I am also currently working on a monochrome range which will be launched soon…. watch this space!